5 Easy Steps: How To Hang A Gun Rack

To hang a gun rack, find the studs, level the mount's top edge, drill pilot holes, and screw the rack into studs whenever you can. If a stud isn't where you need it, the included DEWALT Sharkie anchors are good for 15 lb each in the top row (30 lb with two, 45 lb with three; each is rated 20 lb allowable and about 70 lb ultimate in tension). For a full gun wall, mount a SpartanGrid steel panel into studs and move hooks freely.

If you collect anything, putting your collection on display for anyone to see - or for you to marvel at from time to time - is a great way to show it off.

This is especially true for weapons collectors. A gun rack filled with your arsenal pairs well with a basement, man cave, or garage. From classic to modern, purchasing a gun rack for your home allows you to display your weapons as the centerpiece in your room of choice.

Mounted gun racks also make it easy to access your weaponry. These racks are great storage options for hunters or range enthusiasts who enjoy having their guns easily accessible. Even a pistol rack can be an excellent way to show off your collection.

But, hanging a gun rack without a plan is like going to the range without bullets. Luckily for you, Spartan Mounts knows how to help you hang a gun rack safely and securely.

With these tips and tricks, you will soon learn how to hang a gun rack and have a jaw-dropping display that shows off your favorite weapons.

Importance of a Properly Installed Gun Rack

To properly install a gun rack, you need to secure it to the wall. Certain weapons, such as rifles, can weigh an average of 9 pounds. Do a little napkin math if you have a couple of rifles. It will surprise no one if you have 45 pounds worth of weaponry to hang. Even a pistol rack needs to be properly secured to a wall.

Spartan publishes rated loads at 5x the weight each mount is designed to hold (15 lb minimum); the universal rifle hook is rated to 40 lb.

Safety should be at the forefront of your mind when properly installing a gun rack. After all, unloaded weapons can still be dangerous. A few guns improperly mounted to the wall can cause you to watch your collection fall to the floor because you did not anchor the rack correctly.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to avoid any accidents and securely mount your gun rack. Since no one wants to see you on a DIY-gone-wrong YouTube video, it’s time to go over the steps of hanging your gun rack.

5 Steps To Hang Your Gun Rack

You can have your personal armory displayed safely on your wall in only five steps. You will need a few tools, so grab a level, a drill, a stud finder, and all the installation materials provided with your Spartan Mounts rack.

Step 1: Locate the Area You Want To Hang Your Rack

As with any home project, it starts with “location, location, location.” That is also true for your gun rack.

If you plan to install a backer-board for your mounts to make one continuous rack, your location of your choice should have several studs you can use to anchor your rack assembly to the wall. That is where your stud finder will come in.

If you lack studs or don't want a backer board, the included DEWALT Sharkie anchors are good for 15 lb each in the top row of holes: 30 lb with two, 45 lb with three (each is rated 20 lb allowable and about 70 lb ultimate in tension). For anything heavier, go into a stud or use a SpartanGrid panel. Place your Spartan Mount on the wall where you would like the gun to be displayed with the top edge of the mount level.

Step 2: Measure the Size of Your Rack and Firearms

Next up, you want to take stock of all your armaments and the rack you chose. Measure your rack, and compare it to the location you wish to mount it. Make sure there is enough clearance for long barrels and stocks.

TIP: if you have a large wall and a lot of guns, consider putting blue masking tape on the floor in the same size as your wall. That way, you can place everything inside the tape and adjust location and spacing until it is perfect. Then, move one mount at a time to the same spot on the wall.

Step 3: Drill Holes for Your Mounts

Using a writing utensil, mark the hole locations. If you’re mounting to a stud, drill a ⅛-inch hole. If you are mounting to drywall with anchors, drill a ¼-inch hole.

Spartan Mounts’ racks come in several models. Whether you are a handgun fan, shotgun fan, or rifle fan, we have the mount to make your collection stand out. Check our product descriptions for more details.

Step 4: Hang Your Gun Rack

With your screw holes drilled, grab the enclosed screws with your Spartan Mount. Insert the drywall anchors if you are using them, and then align the drill holes with the screw holes on your mount, and drive in your screws. Don't over-tighten, though!

Step 5: Secure the Gun Rack

Test the security of your rack by tugging at the bottom of the mount. A gentle tug will ensure there is little to no movement. Secure your rack by ensuring all screws are tight but not too tight.

Now you know how to hang a gun rack, and with these five steps, you will have the gun display of your dreams hanging on your wall in no time.

If you want some inspiration for the overall design of your gun rack and placement, go to your favorite search engine and search for “gun rack designs.” Everyone needs a little inspiration from time to time.

Other Gun Rack Designs for Inspiration

If there is one thing gun owners enjoy, it is talking about all their weapons. This is where you can grab your inspiration. A well-versed gun collector will likely have a few racks you can look at to get inspiration. You may also find answers in product info on the listing description.

Horizontal Gun Rack

A horizontal gun rack is a classic-style rack that mounts your weapons horizontally. With Spartan Mounts’ many available mounts, you can achieve the custom horizontal rack you have always wanted.

Vertical Gun Rack

A vertical gun rack displays your weapons up and down instead of side to side. This style of mount is for ease of accessibility.

Gun Rack in a Closet

A gun rack in a closet is another way weapons owners can increase the security around their weaponry. A closet is a wise way to store your weapons, especially if you install a locking doorknob or deadbolt.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hanging Gun Racks

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most commonly asked questions.

Can you hang a gun rack on drywall without studs?

Yes, within limits. With the included anchors in the top row of screw holes, plan on 15 lb per anchor: 30 lb with two, 45 lb with three. That keeps each anchor under its manufacturer allowable load (DEWALT Sharkie: 20 lb tension, 30 lb shear); ultimate failure is about 70 lb in tension and 120 lb in shear per anchor, a margin of more than 4×. For heavier long guns or several rifles, screw into studs or use a SpartanGrid steel panel mounted to studs.

How far apart should gun rack hooks be?

Space hooks about 8–12 inches apart so each firearm can be lifted off without bumping its neighbor. Leave extra clearance for scopes, long barrels and stocks.

What tools do I need to hang a gun rack?

A stud finder, a level, a drill with a 1/8-inch bit for studs or a 1/4-inch bit for drywall anchors, a pencil, and the screws and anchors included with your Spartan mount.

How much weight can a wall gun mount hold?

Spartan Mounts publishes rated loads at 5x the weight each mount is designed to hold, with a 15 lb minimum. The universal rifle hook is rated to 40 lb, and the rifle dock to 30 lb. Mounting to studs gives the most margin.

Why Choose Spartan Mounts?

Spartan Mounts makes the highest quality mounts you can buy as a gun owner. Why settle for anything less than the best? Your gun collection deserves a stunning display with the best-selling mounts from Spartan Mounts. We've shipped over 280,000 mounts to more than 150,000 customers since 2016. Check out our reviews to see what other people are saying.

Hopefully, this guide has shown you how to hang a gun rack and provided some inspiration for your build.